he confined his miniatro.tiona to the Jews. 26). The practice seems to have been uai- On the whole, it seems much more probable versal in early times; it is mentioned by that St. Peter wo.s writing 11t the famous Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Chrysoatom, olty on the Euphrates, though no traces of Augustine, and other ancient writers (see his work there remain, th11n tho.t he should Bingham's 'Antiquities,' xv. iii. 3). It is hHNe used this one word in 11 mystical sense now used only in the Coptic Church ol: at the end of on Epistle where all else is Egypt. Rites and ceremonies may be ploin and simple (see this question dis- changed "according to the diversities o! cussed in the Introduction, p. ix.). And countries, times, and men's manners;" the so doth Marous my son. T,t<vov is the word sacred duty of brotherly love rerun.ins un- used by St. Paul of spiritual relationship changed for ever. 1'eace be with you all (see 1 Tim. i. 2; 2 Tim. i. 2; 'l'itua i. 4). that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. The mo,t St. Peter has vlos here. Still, it seems most ancient manuscripts omit the word "Jesus" prob11ble that M11rcus, mentioned o.s he is here and the "Amen." St. Paul's blessing without any further description, is not a at the end of bis Epistles is nsually "gr.ice" son of the o.postle o.fter the flesh, but the (in the Epistle to the Ephesians he adds well-known John Mark of the Acts (see "peace"). St. PetPr ends his Ep:stle with Introduction, p. viii.). the benediction which he baJ so often Ver. 14.-Greet ye one another with a heard from the Saviour's lips. Th::i.t blessed kisa of oho.rity. St. Paul gives the same gift of peace is r;mnted lo all who are "in direction in four places (Rom. xvi. 16; Christ," who is our Peace (Eph. ii 14)- 1 Cor. xvi. 20; 2 Cor. xiii. 12; 1 Thess. v.
HOMILETICS. Vers. 1-4.-0harge to the elders of the Churches of Asia Minor. I. WHA'r HE 1s WHO ADDRESSES THEM. 1. "Also an elder." St. Peter is a. beautiful example of that humility which should especially mark those who are called to high office in the Church, with- out which high office is a most dangerous temptation. He assumes no superiority ; he does not remind them of the great trust committed to him by Christ (Matt. xvi. 18, 19); he does not even insist on his apostleship. He identifies himself with those whom he exhorts, calling himself simply "a brother elder." The word "elder" should remind them of the dignity of their office. Most of them were probably elders in years as well as in official position; but sometimes younger men, as in the case of Timothy, would have special fitness for the work of the ministry. They must take ea.re to let; none despise their youth (1 Tim. iv. 12); they must exhibit in their lives something ot that thoughtfulness, that sobriety, that unworldliness, that sweet and holy wisdom, which the very name of their office suggests as necessary qualifications for its fulfil- ment. 2. "A witness of the sufferings of Christ." St. Peter was an eye-witness, at least in part, of the sufferings of the Lord; he could say, like St. John," Tha.t which we ha:ve seen and heard, declare we unto you." If our exhortations are to have real influence, they must come out of the depths of personal experiences; if we would mak~ Christ known to others, we must know him ourselves; we must be made conformable unto his death, and know what is the fellowship of his sufferings, if we are to bear witness to others of the blessed meaning of the cross. "Who is God's chosen priest? He, who on Christ stands wniting dny and night, Who traced hie holy steps, nor ever ceased, From Jordan bunks to Betbplmge height: " Who both in agony Hath ~een him and in glory; and in both Owned him Divine, and yielded, nothing loth, Body e.nd soul, to live uncl die, "In witness of his Lor,!, In humble following of his Saviour dear;! This is the man to wield th' uncurtbly sword, Warring unharmed with sin 11nd fear." 3, "A partalcer of tlie glory that shall be revealed." St. Peter had the blessed promise, " Whither 1 go, thou can.st not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwl\l'ds." 212 THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. [cH. v. 1-14-.